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The
OpenGov Recognition of Excellence (RoE) 2018 recognised 11 Singapore government
agencies for improving the lives of citizens through the use of digital
technology. The RoE aims to set new benchmarks for government ICT innovation in
the ASEAN and ANZ regions.
On
17 May, held in conjunction with the Singapore OpenGov Leadership Forum, OpenGov
RoE 2018 recognised the efforts of 11 Singapore government agencies for their
work in building Singapore towards being a Smart Nation. The government
agencies have achieved excellence in using ICT to make government smarter, more
agile, more efficient and more transparent – ultimately improving the lives of
the citizens.
The
11 agencies that were recognised for their work in building Singapore towards
being a Smart Nation were (in alphabetical order):
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
(A*STAR)
OpenGov
recognised A*STAR for its Federated
Identity Management (FIM) system and electronic
Chemicals, Biomaterials, Gases Management System (eCBMS) system.
FIM
is an Information Technology Shared Services (ITSS) shared services developed
to allow automated web-based authentication and authorisation of Institute of
Higher Learning (IHL) end-users in Singapore. Staff, researchers, and students
can access e-Resources offered by the National
Super Computing Centre (NSCC) and SingAREN,
without the need to change existing usernames or passwords of their home IHLs.
The developed identity management system removes the risk of user keying
errors, as the users are automatically authenticated against their home
organisation. The system also supports the users to access services across
various organisations.
eCBMS
is the first integrated chemical inventory management and procurement system in
A*STAR. The system allows better legal compliance and reduces the time
required by researchers to manually maintain and update their inventory. It has
been estimated that CGMS will help to reduce more than 16,000 man hours
annually, that has been otherwise spent on inventory updates, maintenance and
generating monthly inventory necessary for legal compliance.
Changi Airport Group (CAG)
OpenGov
recognised CAG for the Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) suite at Terminal 4 (T4)
of Changi Airport. Since
last October, T4’s featured enables passengers self-service options at
various stages of departure – check-in, bag drop, immigration and boarding.
As
part of the FAST process, the facial
recognition technology is used to authenticate each passenger’s identity.
This automated process replaces the need for manual identity verification by
staff. The Automated Immigration Gate (AIG) at T4 uses a dual facial and
thumbprint biometric recognition system. The passenger’s photo is captured and
matched against the one in the passport. At the Automated Boarding Gate (ABG),
passengers only need to scan their boarding pass at the boarding gate and authenticate
their identity by taking a photo. The facial recognition system matches this
photo against the photo taken earlier at the AIG.
Cyber Security Agency (CSA)
OpenGov
recognised CSA for its efforts in establishing the Cybersecurity
Bill to strengthen the protection of Critical Information Infrastructure
(CII) in Singapore. Passed into law on 5 February 2018, the Bill provides a
framework for the regulation of CII and formalises the duties of CII owners in
ensuring the cybersecurity of their respective CIIs. For each sector, CSA
worked closely with the relevant sector regulator to identify the essential
services within the sector, as well as the computers and computer systems.
Noting
that the cybersecurity environment is fast-changing, in formulating this Bill,
the Singapore Government studied cybersecurity legislation from other countries
and continues to take reference from internationally recognised standards and
emerging trends.
Government Technology Agency (GovTech)
GovTech has
been recognised
for its Content
Websites Platform (CWP) and the API
exchange (APEX).
As a
common hosting platform for government websites, the CWP has been supporting the
government agencies in improving the digital shopfront and the user experience.
The CWP is a common secured environment based on a resilient, robust and
controlled platform which provides a suite of standardised software for hosting
content-based websites. It enables unclassified government websites to be
centrally managed and operated on public cloud, bringing the benefits of
convenience, greater security, optimisation of resources, faster deployment
speed and cost savings through economies of scale.
The
APEX, which
has been developed by GovTech in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance,
serves as a centralised data sharing platform for government agencies to share
data conveniently and securely through the use of Application Programming
Interfaces or APIs. The Exchange will enable central monitoring and security
management for the APIs. APEX also facilitates secure transfer of data between
the public-facing front-end i.e. the Internet and the back-end (Intranet).
Using APEX, public agencies can manage and maintain their data
APIs and data consumption in real-time and obtain an overview of the popularity
and usage of their shared datasets, so that they can constantly improve their
datasets according to popularity and demand. APEX is part of the application
infrastructure in the Singapore
Government Technology Stack
(SGTS), a centrally-managed platform for public sector agencies to build their
digital applications.
Housing & Development Board (HDB)
The
HDB has been recognised for its HDB
resale portal to streamline the resale transaction process for public
housing in Singapore.Launched on 1
January this year, the new online HDB resale portal minimises the need for
manual entry of data. All eligibility checks are integrated on a single
platform. Flat buyers will also be able to view their eligibility for housing
grants and an HDB concessionary housing loan through the portal. The entire
transaction time, from submission to completion of the resale application, is
expected to be shortened by up to 8 weeks from 16 weeks previously.
This
illustrates HDB’s continuous efforts to streamline its resale process, reduce
transaction time and provide added convenience to flat buyers and sellers,
under the initiatives of the Real Estate Industry Transformation Map (REITM).
It also shows how HDB is leveraging technology to enhance its services and
improve customers’ convenience.
The HDB has been recognised for its HDB resale portal to streamline the resale transaction process for public housing in Singapore.Launched on 1 January this year, the new online HDB resale portal minimises the need for manual entry of data. All eligibility checks are integrated on a single platform. Flat buyers will also be able to view their eligibility for housing grants and an HDB concessionary housing loan through the portal. The entire transaction time, from submission to completion of the resale application, is expected to be shortened by up to 8 weeks from 16 weeks previously.
This illustrates HDB’s continuous efforts to streamline its resale process, reduce transaction time and provide added convenience to flat buyers and sellers, under the initiatives of the Real Estate Industry Transformation Map (REITM). It also shows how HDB is leveraging technology to enhance its services and improve customers’ convenience.
Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
OpenGov
recognised IMDA for its continuous efforts to help SMEs go digital through the SMEs
Go Digital programme. Announced at Budget 2017, the SMEs Go Digital programme
takes on a more structured and inclusive approach towards the adoption of
digital technologies by SMEs. Since its roll-out in April 2017, the Programme has
been helping SMEs in the adoption and use of digital technology to boost their
productivity and build their digital capability and participate in the digital
economy.
To
enable SMEs to continually benefit from innovative digital solutions, IMDA is
progressively raising the standards of the pre-approved digital solutions under
SMEs Go Digital programme and catalyse the development of digital platforms
that provides them access to game changing technologies such as artificial
intelligence (AI) and data analytics.
Integrated Health Information Systems
(IHiS)
Singapore’s
HealthTech agency IHiS has been
recognised for driving Singapore’s Smart Health initiative, with the launch of Smart Health Video Consultation and TeleRehab in 2017. These national
Telehealth pilots empower patients to self-manage their condition, save them
travelling time, costs and waiting time at the hospital, as well as improve
healthcare professionals’ productivity.
Smart
Health Video Consultation leverages the prevalent use of consumer devices with
cameras to enable patients to remotely consult their care team online, from
anywhere they are. Designed for use in healthcare, the high quality video and
audio conferencing platform allows multi-party video conferencing for
consultation with multi-disciplinary care teams, annotation and sharing
documents, facilitating provider-to-patient consultations as well as
collaboration and training sessions between healthcare providers.
Smart
Health TeleRehab (TR) empowers patients to perform prescribed rehabilitation
exercises at their convenience via guided videos. The use of wearable sensors
by patients in conjunction with a patent-pending algorithm enable therapists to
remotely and asynchronously monitor patients’ performance via a smart metrics
dashboard. Co-created by NUS, IHiS, and local startup T-Rehab, TR helps
patients who may not be mobile to have greater access to therapy, and helps
therapists more accurately assess patients, with about 30% productivity gain.
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
(IPOS)
IPOS
has been recognised for transforming itself from an IP registry and regulator
to builder of Singapore’s innovation ecosystem. Since the release of the IP Hub
Master Plan in 2013, the IPOS has been addressing gaps in the areas of IP
creation, protection and commercialisation, along the verticals of expertise,
regime and marketplace.
Last
year, IPOS announced
a series of initiatives in line with the recommendation of the Committee on
the Future Economy (CFE) report, to strengthen Singapore’s innovation ecosystem
and build capabilities to help enterprises innovate and scale up. While being a
registry and regulator of Singapore’s IP, IPOS is also active being a builder
and facilitator of innovation in recent times, leveraging on its IP expertise
and networks to drive Singapore’s growth in the digital economy.
Land Transport Authority (LTA)
OpenGov
recognised LTA for taking forward Singapore's Smart
Mobility plans. LTA has been supportive in the piloting and testing of autonomous
vehicles (AVs) to provide convenient first-last mile connectivity and will be
particularly useful for the elderly, families with young children and the less
mobile. Last December, Singapore opened its first AV test centre. The new
2-hectare test facility at JID, Singapore’s largest living lab, has been
jointly developed by LTA, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and JTC
Corporation. Designed to replicate Singapore’s roads, the CETRAN AV Test Centre
will allow AVs to be tested under real-world environments. ST Kinetics and NTU
ERI@N have plans to commence their autonomous bus trials at the CETRAN AV Test
Centre this year.
All
these are part of Singapore’s continued Smart Nation efforts to develop Smart
Urban Mobility solutions that leverage data and digital technologies to enhance
the public transport commute.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
OpenGov
recognised NTU for its effort to build a Smart Campus. Earlier this year,
President of NTU Professor Subra Suresh unveiled NTU’s
Smart Campus vision which aims to harness the power of digital technology
and tech-enabled solutions to support better learning and living experiences,
the discovery of new knowledge, and the sustainability of resources.
Since
then, NTU has established the NTU Institute of Science and Technology for
Humanity (NISTH), a new learning hub called the ARC, and announced other initiatives
like the Smart Pass, trials for Singapore’s first electric bicycle-sharing
service, development of the autonomous electric buses; and trials of an
ultra-fast charging electric shuttle in collaboration with BlueSG Pte Ltd.
SkillsFuture Singapore
OpenGov
recognised SkillsFuture Singapore for development Skills frameworks for Industry
Transformation Maps (ITMs) to nurture talents in Singapore.
The
Skills Framework is an integral component of the ITMs and it is co-created by
Employers, Industry Associations, Unions and Government for the Singapore
workforce. It provides key information on sector and employment, career
pathways, occupations or job roles, as well as existing and emerging skills
required for the occupations or job roles. It also provides a list of training
programmes for skills upgrading and mastery.
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In her address at the LIA Annual Luncheon, Ms Ho Hern Shin, Deputy Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the pivotal role of technology in elevating customer experience within the life insurance sector could be seen. Under the theme of “Treating Customers Right,” Ms Ho outlined key pillars for insurers to build and enhance engagement, trust and sustainability.
The LIA Management Committee were commended for their adept utilisation of available tools and technology, amidst industry challenges, from the transformation spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic for targeted customer solutions. She reiterated MAS’ commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the tech-driven landscape.
Central to customer satisfaction is product design harnessing digital innovations to align with evolving preferences. AI-powered wellness programmes, tech-enabled co-payment initiatives, and user-friendly mobile apps for bite-size insurance products are great examples. These tech-driven solutions not only cater to diverse customer needs but also optimise operational efficiency for insurers.
The pivotal role of data analytics in enabling fair and inclusive underwriting practices is also clear. Insurers can leverage advanced algorithms and predictive modelling to objectively assess applications, ensuring equitable coverage for individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. Collaboration with data professionals and research communities is essential to harnessing data for actionable insights.
Insurers can leverage digital platforms such as SGFinDex and AI-driven chatbots to offer personalised financial advice. SGFinDex, the pioneering digital infrastructure in Singapore, stands as the world’s first to integrate a national digital identity with a centrally managed online consent system. This innovative platform empowers individuals by granting them seamless access to their financial data dispersed across various government agencies and financial institutions.
Tech-enabled strategies can streamline the fact-finding process, empowering customers to make informed decisions aligned with their financial goals. Such platforms can leverage machine learning algorithms to tailor product recommendations based on customer profiles and life stages.
Continued investments in digital infrastructure are essential for delivering seamless post-sales experiences. MAS’ regulatory amendments facilitate secure online transactions, including beneficiary nomination and claims processing. Insurers were urged to embrace emerging technologies such as blockchain for immutable record-keeping and smart contracts to automate claims settlements, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
OpenGov Asia reported that in response to growing concerns voiced by Members of Parliament and citizens regarding customer protection from scams, MAS and other government agencies are intensifying collaborative efforts with the industry to combat fraudulent activities.
MAS and IMDA have introduced a consultation paper outlining the Shared Responsibility Framework (SRF) to address phishing scams, assigning responsibilities to financial institutions (FIs) and telecommunication companies (Telcos) to mitigate scam risks and ensure compensation for affected victims.
This framework expands upon previous initiatives by the Payments Council, recognising the crucial roles of both FIs and Telcos in preventing fund outflows resulting from digitally enabled scams that undermine confidence in digital banking systems.
Outlined duties for FIs and Telcos include sending transaction notifications and implementing scam filters, with breaches triggering a “waterfall approach” in which FIs and Telcos are held accountable for losses, with FIs bearing primary responsibility followed by Telcos as custodians of consumers’ money
The importance of fostering an ethical culture, where data fairness is paramount and values supersede profits is vital. The board and senior management must champion ethical principles, ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making.
Insurance, as indeed all other sectors, would greatly benefit if they embrace technology as a catalyst for delivering superior customer outcomes. By leveraging digital innovations across all facets of their operations, organisations can enhance customer engagement, streamline processes, and foster trust in the digital age.
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In a bid to enhance brand visibility and tap into broader consumer markets, Vietnamese wood, furniture, and handicraft enterprises are urged to prioritise and systematically invest in online sales initiatives, diversifying their sales channels within their business frameworks.
Vice Chairwoman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Minh Tue, emphasised this crucial strategy during a workshop themed “Cross-border e-commerce – global growth opportunity for Vietnam’s furniture export” held in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tue highlighted Vietnam’s stature as one of the world’s leading wood exporting nations, noting its expanding market reach across key territories such as the US, the European Union (EU), the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Japan, as well as its growing presence in emerging markets like the UAE and India.
She underscored the significant success of Vietnam’s wood and wooden product exports in the global market, buoyed by favourable factors such as forestry development strengths, business incentives, and advantageous free trade agreements with foreign counterparts.
However, traditional export markets have encountered challenges in recent times due to sluggish global consumption demand, escalating protectionist measures, and the persistence of tight monetary policies in certain countries. Against this backdrop, Tue highlighted the rising prominence of e-commerce channels in driving sales growth for furniture and handicrafts, presenting a new avenue for Vietnamese wood businesses to explore.
A global e-commerce giant echoed this sentiment, highlighting the resilient growth trajectory of global e-commerce despite the lingering impact of global trade disruptions. The executive underscored cross-border e-commerce as a pivotal trend enabling small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve robust expansion.
Looking ahead, strong growth in e-commerce has been projected within the furniture industry, particularly in the US, Vietnam’s largest export market. By 2027, e-commerce in this sector could soar to an estimated US$118.6 billion, presenting a lucrative opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises.
Another organisation stressed the direct access to a diverse global customer base facilitated by e-commerce platforms, noting the missed opportunity for Vietnamese manufacturers to harness cross-border e-commerce to market their products.
Crucial factors for effective online sales include focusing on customer comfort and actively addressing concerns related to product quality, customer service, and delivery. Recognising these challenges, e-commerce platforms now offer comprehensive business support services spanning product listing, packaging, shipping, and returns to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
The imperative for Vietnam’s wood and furniture industry to embrace e-commerce as a strategic growth driver is clear. By leveraging online platforms, Vietnamese enterprises can not only expand their market reach but also enhance brand visibility and tap into the burgeoning global e-commerce landscape, thus ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in the digital era.
Vietnam is strategically leveraging digital technology, online platforms, and e-commerce to propel its wood and furniture industry into international markets. By embracing these digital tools, Vietnamese enterprises seek to amplify their global presence, reach new customers, and capitalise on the boundless opportunities offered by the digital marketplace.
In line with Vietnam’s thrust towards global market penetration through digital platforms and e-commerce, a new initiative is underway to establish clusters of IT parks and software chains.
Led by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), aims to boost Vietnam’s digital ecosystem and competitiveness in the production value chain. Despite progress, challenges persist, such as connectivity gaps and limited collaboration among IT parks.
The MIC stresses strategic capital investment to integrate the initiative into national ICT infrastructure, advancing Vietnam’s digital transformation agenda. Informed by the Institute of Information and Communications Strategy, the plan focuses on creating ICT parks in vital economic zones, nurturing technical infrastructure and a conducive business environment, thereby enhancing the growth of the digital technology sector.
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The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, recently organised a Workshop on “Cultivating Tomorrow: Advancing Digital Agriculture through IoT and AI.”
Held at the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, this event aimed to explore the transformative potential of emerging technologies in agriculture.
Participation was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates, ITU Academia, and individuals from countries that are members of the ITU, as well as members of international, regional, and national organisations in hybrid mode. The event drew around 200 delegates, including international participants, who shared their experiences in the emerging field of Agriculture 4.0.
In light of the challenges posed by a growing world population and climate change to traditional farming practices, the workshop underscored the importance of leveraging technology for sustainable food production. It delved into the application of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and other cutting-edge technologies across the agricultural value chain, from production to consumption, including post-harvest management and marketing.
The discussions focused on how these technologies can empower farmers with real-time data, predictive analytics, and actionable insights to optimise their operations and enhance productivity.
A highlight of the workshop was the release of the Technical Report on “Revolutionising Agriculture: The Digital Transformation of Farming.” This report serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders in the agricultural sector, providing guidance on harnessing the power of technology to drive sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in food production. Overall, the event emphasised the critical role of digital innovations in shaping the future of agriculture and fostering global food security.
The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in India is pioneering the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance farmers’ productivity and well-being. Championing the India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (InDEA) 2.0’s network approach, the Ministry has achieved significant milestones.
According to Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India has leveraged AI to tackle various challenges in the agricultural sector, aiming to support farmers.
Key initiatives include the implementation of ‘Kisan e-Mitra,’ an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist farmers with inquiries regarding the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which supports multiple languages and is expanding to cover other government programmes.
The National Pest Surveillance System employs AI and Machine Learning to detect crop issues caused by climate change, enabling timely interventions for healthier crops. Furthermore, AI-based analytics are utilised for crop health assessment using field photographs, along with crop health monitoring through the integration of Satellite, weather, and soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crops.
A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed, paving the way for collaborative efforts between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society, IndiaAI, and a foundation to establish India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture transformation. This partnership signifies a crucial step forward in leveraging AI to revolutionise digital agriculture, ensuring a prosperous and food-secure future for India.
Following the workshop, the 9th meeting of the ITU/FAO Focus Group on “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) for Digital Agriculture” (FG-AI4A) will take place on March 19, 2024, at the same venue.
The Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things for Digital Agriculture (FG-AI4A) has extensively explored the potential of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT. These technologies offer promising avenues for data management, model enhancement, and effective communication, thereby optimising agricultural production processes.
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The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) is dedicated to securing Singapore’s cyberspace to support national security, power the digital economy, and protect the digital way of life. To reinforce national security, CSA continually monitors cyber threats, defends critical information infrastructure (CII), and implements mitigation measures to safeguard essential services.
The Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT) responds to cybersecurity incidents for its Singapore constituents. It was set up to facilitate the detection, resolution and prevention of cybersecurity-related incidents on the Internet.
Singapore, represented by the CSA has been working closely with ASEAN Member States (AMS) to establish the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to promote and facilitate information-sharing related to cyber incident response, and to complement the operational efforts by individual national CERTs in each AMS.
Singapore had made the recommendation for a single AMS to host the ASEAN Regional CERT and proposed to host and fund its physical activities in Singapore at the 14th ASEAN Network Security Action Council in August 2023.
The ASEAN Regional CERT will enable stronger regional cybersecurity incident response coordination and critical information infrastructure (CII) protection cooperation, including for cross-border CII such as banking and finance, communications, aviation and maritime.
The 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) convened in Singapore in February, to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in the digital realm, particularly amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting recognised advancements in implementing the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM 2025) despite the pandemic and stressed the need for a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem. The ADM 2025 Mid-Term Review (MTR) assessed progress in key areas including trusted digital services, consumer protection, and broadband infrastructure
The meeting highlighted the need to set governance standards for emerging technologies like AI, based on recommendations from the ADM 2025 MTR. It also emphasised the importance of collaborating on digital infrastructure and fostering trust among users for secure data sharing.
The endorsement of the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics marked a significant milestone, reflecting the region’s commitment to harnessing AI technologies responsibly. The guide, which includes practical use cases for trustworthy AI deployment, is poised to serve as a valuable tool for promoting the responsible and ethical utilisation of AI solutions across ASEAN.
Additionally, the meeting welcomed initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cybersecurity capabilities, such as the establishment of the ASEAN Regional CERT. This initiative is expected to bolster incident response capabilities and facilitate timely information sharing and best practice exchange among ASEAN member states.
Moreover, the meeting acknowledged the importance of data governance and privacy protection in fostering digital trust. Efforts to promote the adoption of the ASEAN Model Contractual Clauses and facilitate seamless data transfers between ASEAN and the European Union were commended as significant steps towards enhancing regional data governance frameworks.
The meeting also highlighted the significance of digital infrastructure development, including the advancement of 5G networks and the establishment of frameworks to facilitate cross-border data flows, particularly in areas such as disaster management and logistics for rural areas.
In the realm of international cooperation, the meeting affirmed ASEAN’s commitment to deepening collaboration with dialogue and development partners, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, the United States, the European Union, ITU, and APT. These partnerships are crucial for advancing digital transformation, cybersecurity, and capacity-building efforts across the region.
Overall, the 4th ADGMIN underscored the collective resolve of ASEAN member states to navigate the evolving digital landscape, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and resilience to realise the full potential of the digital economy for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Following the endorsement of the financial model, Singapore will continue to work closely with AMS to operationalise the ASEAN Regional CERT to enhance collective cybersecurity within the region.
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In a significant stride towards fostering digital innovation within in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has joined hands with a Delhi-based company in a strategic agreement. Under this collaboration, TDB has approved a Conditional Grant of ₹1.22 crores (approximately US$162,000) to support its groundbreaking project titled “Digital Financial Solutions for Last Mile FMCG Value Chains in Emerging Markets”.
The initiative has been facilitated through the ‘INDIA-ISRAEL INDUSTRIAL R&D AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION FUND (I4F)’. Spearheaded by a company from Israel, the project sets out to revolutionise last-mile FMCG value chains in emerging markets through the implementation of cutting-edge digital finance solutions.
This partnership underscores the robust technological cooperation between India and Israel, highlighting their joint commitment to driving innovation in industrial research and development.
At its core, the project focuses on developing an integrated digital finance platform tailored specifically for last-mile FMCG value chains. Leveraging the Delhi company’s expertise in human-centred design, the project places a strong emphasis on enhancing user experience and ensuring alignment with diverse consumer needs. With a prestigious client portfolio that includes industry giants, the company brings invaluable insight and innovation to the project.
Upon completion, the platform is poised to seamlessly embed financial services across FMCG value chains, with particular attention to enhancing last-mile distribution networks. Drawing from the Delhi company’s extensive experience in managing branchless banking networks and B2B commerce platforms, the project aims to empower businesses and consumers alike, driving financial inclusion and fostering sustainable economic growth in emerging markets.
Speaking on the significance of this partnership, the Secretary of the Technology Development Board, stressed its pivotal role in addressing real-world challenges through innovation-driven solutions. As the inaugural agreement signed under the Bilateral India-Israel call, the initiative lays the groundwork for future collaborations.
Moreover, it signifies a commitment to transformative agreements that will drive progress and innovation in the near future. This partnership stands as evidence of technological advancement and cooperation between India and Israel, poised to deliver tangible benefits to both nations and beyond.
India is recognised as a burgeoning powerhouse in the global technology and digital space, with a commitment to innovation and leadership that extends beyond its borders. As the world witnesses an increasingly interconnected digital landscape, India is keen to leverage its expertise and resources to collaborate internationally.
OpenGov Asia highlighted the Indo-French Joint Committee of Science and Technology’s (JCST) recent meeting, emphasizing the efficacy of the Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) in boosting collaboration. Talks centred on advancing research in key areas such as Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (ICPS), health, clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, and advanced materials.
Emphasising the significance of fostering connections among innovators and entrepreneurs from both nations, the meeting underscored the importance of leveraging collaborative efforts for mutual benefit. Dr Claire Giry, Director General for Research and Innovation at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research echoed these sentiments, stressing the need to reinforce ties between researchers from India and France, with a specific focus on sustainable technologies, applied mathematics, health, and ocean research.
With a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, India’s endeavours in the tech and digital space aim not only to drive economic growth but also to empower communities worldwide, cementing its position as a beacon of technological leadership and cooperation on the international stage.
Through partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives, India seeks to not only showcase its technological prowess but also to extend a helping hand internationally. By fostering innovation, promoting digital inclusion, and championing technological solutions to global challenges, India aims to demonstrate leadership in the tech arena while making meaningful contributions to the international community.
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A collaboration between the Postgraduate School of Geological Engineering at Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Geological Engineering Student Association “GEA” (HMTG “GEA”), and the Indonesian Association of Geologists (IAGI) recently showcased the advancements in sensing technology at a seminar entitled “Remote Sensing Technology for Exploration, Inventory, and Management of Natural Resources in Indonesia”.
Led by Professor Dr Ir. Indroyono Soesilo, M.Sc., the seminar highlighted remote sensing’s pivotal role in a data-driven and tech-enabled world. It has become an indispensable tool in the scientific field, providing researchers and practitioners with valuable data and previously unattainable insights.
As humanity transitions into the “imagination society” of era 5.0, remote sensing emerges as a crucial tool in providing information and knowledge to address contemporary and future challenges, underlining its significance in digital transformation and problem-solving endeavours. Its continued development and integration into various industries promise to revolutionise further how humans interact with and understand the world.
According to Prof Indroyono, remote sensing is observing an object without direct contact using specialised sensors mounted on various platforms such as drones, aircraft, satellites, etc. Multiple sensors used for remote sensing operate at different wavelengths, ranging from visible light, infrared, and radar to seismic waves, providing flexibility in obtaining data needed for geology.
Since its inception in 1960 with NASA’s TIROS-1 project, remote sensing technology has undergone significant evolution, transitioning into a service-oriented industry in Indonesia by 1993. This transformation has been propelled by government support and infrastructure development efforts. The trajectory of remote sensing underscores its vital role in facilitating Indonesia’s exploration, inventorying, and management of natural resources.
The evolution of remote sensing technology is evident from the launch of the first satellite platform in 1960 to the subsequent deployment of Landsat-1, an earth monitoring satellite, 12 years later. Prof. Indroyono and other professionals have played a pivotal role in Indonesia’s remote sensing advancement, leveraging their international educational backgrounds. Initially, their focus was on fostering Indonesia’s remote sensing service sector, encompassing data providers, information service providers, knowledge service providers, and initiatives for market expansion.
Currently, many high-resolution satellites are used for commercial purposes. The images of the earth produced by these satellites are also real-time and directly collected in the extensive data system for inventory, monitoring, analysis, and prediction purposes.
In a previous article, OpenGovAsia reported that Indonesia was deploying remote sensing to estimate oil palm productivity using satellite imagery from Sentinel-2. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) established a collaborative remote sensing research project with Lamandau Polytechnic from Lamandau Regency, Central Kalimantan.
Through remote sensing data, this research collaboration aims to establish a comprehensive understanding and accurate prediction of oil palm productivity in Bulik District, Lamandau Regency. Furthermore, remote sensing has also been used for conservation, explicitly focusing on monitoring water quality and addressing marine waste. Plastic and other waste materials discharged into the oceans pose severe global challenges.
Prof. Indroyono stresses the necessity of strengthening regulations to ensure the ethical use of remote sensing technology, despite its industry’s current robustness in adhering to rules. He advocates for continuous research and development efforts to maintain competitiveness, stressing the importance of exploring new sensor technologies and refining data processing techniques. Additionally, he underscores the pivotal role of collaboration between government, industry, and academia in driving innovation and addressing challenges in remote sensing technology and applications.
While significant progress has been made, Prof. Indroyono believes there is still untapped potential in the remote sensing industry. By bolstering regulatory frameworks, investing in R&D, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the industry can continue its growth trajectory and realise its full potential in the years ahead.
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In a strategic move to bolster innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystems, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) recently concluded an impactful visit to the Middle East, solidifying various strategic partnerships across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. This landmark initiative aimed to reinforce the world-class I&T ecosystems of both Hong Kong and the Middle East, leveraging digital advancements to propel global progress and collaboration.
Led by Professor Sun Dong, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, the delegation comprised representatives from eight park companies, showcasing Hong Kong’s prowess in innovation at the prestigious LEAP 2024 event.
These partnerships mark significant milestones in HKSTP’s mission to cultivate a truly global innovation community, seizing opportunities for multilateral technology collaborations and fostering cross-border innovation networks.
Among the standout achievements was Halo Energy Limited (Halo), a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, securing two major partnerships in the UAE and Qatar. These strategic collaborations aim to explore opportunities for EV charging deployment and investment in the Middle East, laying the groundwork for sustainable transportation solutions in the region and driving the adoption of clean energy technologies.
A biotech company, a subsidiary of an HKSTP park company, inked a trilateral agreement with the Dubai Economic Development Corporation and another HK business. This partnership will expand the biotech research and development (R&D) footprint in the UAE, focusing on advancements in human and veterinary diagnostics and lab testing.
The collaboration underscores the commitment to technology exchange and innovation-driven solutions, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for biotech and green tech investments in the Middle East.
Furthermore, a pioneer in smart building solutions forged a strategic partnership with a Dubai-based company. This collaboration aims to promote energy-saving and green building solutions, with plans to implement its innovative platform in 100 commercial buildings across the region over the next 18 months. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, the partnership seeks to drive sustainable urban development and enhance the efficiency of built environments in the Middle East.
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasised the transformative potential of these partnerships in propelling both regions into a new era of innovation and collaboration. The strategic MoU signed with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represents a pivotal step towards technology exchange and startup support between the two ecosystems, fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking initiatives in technology and industry practices.
The delegation also explored strategic partnerships with another group, facilitating startups’ market expansion efforts in the Middle East, and engaged with leading innovation hubs such as Masdar City, Hub 71 in Abu Dhabi, and the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). These interactions fostered discussions on fostering innovative ecosystems and promoting collaboration across government, industry, and academia to drive research and development initiatives in key sectors.
HKSTP was optimistic after showcasing its vibrant I&T ecosystem at the Hong Kong Pavilion during LEAP 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With meaningful synergies anticipated between the two regions, the event provided a platform for HKSTP to highlight Hong Kong’s technological strengths and solidify its position as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area. T
Through demonstrations by eight Science Park tech ventures and a panel discussion moderated by CEO Mr Albert Wong, the event aimed to uncover new commercial opportunities and foster international partnerships for a prosperous I&T future.
The HKSTP’s Middle East delegation exemplifies the power of international collaboration in driving digital transformation and innovation. By forging strategic partnerships and fostering cross-border innovation networks, HKSTP is at the forefront of propelling global progress and shaping a future where technology transcends borders to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities for all.